The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is facing possible shortages, with enough blood to last only threeand-a-half days.
On Christmas Eve, the only blood group reserve looking promising, was type is AB+ with its reserve at 100%, followed by the A+ group at 70%.
The groups facing the most shortages are the B-, AB- and O+ groups, all at 40% capacity.
A statement released by the blood bank earlier in December said this was traditionally a difficult time, as they were unable to collect the 3,000 units of blood a day that is needed to treat patients.
East London donor relations officer Rene Vice said road accidents put pressure on blood stocks as they created an additional demand. Furthermore, it put strain on blood needed for planned surgeries and procedures, cancer patients and child births, to name but a few.
“With people on holiday, we tend to start running short towards the end of December and the first two weeks of January.
“So even though we have 3.7 days’ stock today, the situation can drastically change in just one day. Especially if blood usage increases due to road accidents,” she said.
Vice said blood donations were open again from Thursday until the end of the year. Here are a list of places where residents in East London and surrounding areas can donate: Thursday December 27:
● Yellowsands Caravan Park from 10am to 3pm;
● Vincent Park Centre, bus outside food court from 11am to 5pm;
Friday December 28:
● Mdantsane City Mall from 10am to 5pm;
● Heritage Mall, Port Alfred from 11am to 4pm;
● King’s Mall, Gonubie from 11am to 6pm;
Saturday December 29:
● Mdantsane City Mall from 10am to 3pm;
Sunday December 30:
● Mdantsane City Mall from 10am to 2pm;
Monday December 31:
● The Mall, King William’s Town from 11am to 5pm; and
● Vincent Park Centre from 11am to 5pm...